The basic habit of a Coptic monk is made up of a leather belt worn under a long, black gown, a black skull cap and a black hood. When a monk is also a priest and is taking a liturgical service he changes into similar garments, but in white.The hood worn by Coptic monks is called a koulla (Coptic), but it is now commonly referred to as qalansuwa (Arabic). There are various ideas and traditions within the Coptic Church about where the idea for the hood comes from.Coptic nuns also wear a similar hood. These hoods are not normally seen as they are hidden by the nun's veil.